Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	S	S	S	S
T			T	T
			P	P

(Best months for growing Watermelon in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays
T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
P = Sow seed

Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 70°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
Space plants: 24 - 30 inches apart
Harvest in 12-17 weeks.
Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweetcorn, Sunflowers
Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

07 Oct 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate): You may have to buy from Australia - or try google in NZ
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19 Sep 23, Amanda (USA - Zone 8b climate): I thought my watermelons had died off but in the beginning of this month (September) they decided to start growing again any chance they will actually survive or am I wasting my time?
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20 Sep 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate): It does say plant Feb March.
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12 Sep 23, Zakes (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): Hi. I'm staying in Roodepoort, West of Johannesburg. I'd like to find out what type of watermelons that I can plant in this area. Secondly, what are the biggest and sweetest watermelon type that are suitable for the climate conditions of Roodepoort?. Kind regards Zakes Mahlangu Cell: 082 866 0937 (WhatsApp and Voice)
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14 Sep 23, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate): Might be best to pick a variety you like.
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05 Sep 23, Babsie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate): What makes watermelons to be sugarless
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03 Nov 23, Bee-Pie (South Africa - Humid sub-tropical climate): Watermelon is a desert plant and needs full sun. Watermelons need to produce a lot of leaves to make enough sugar to produce sweet fruit. To do this they need a constant supply of water. It could also be to a nutrient deficiency in your soil.
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04 May 23, juan perez (USA - Zone 10a climate): melons do they grow on the ground or trails
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08 May 23, Anonymous (USA - Zone 3b climate): Ground.
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30 Apr 23, Sam (USA - Zone 10a climate): I’m in zone 10a Rialto ca and I’m wondering if it’s too late to start my watermelon seedling this is my first time ever planting something and I have many many many seeds of multiple vegetables and I have no idea when to start my seeds
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Replying to:

Amy, When to pick watermelons is one of life's great mysteries, but there are a few tips to help you out...Tapping on a ripe watermelon give a heavier thud than unripe ones, watch out for a yellowing stem, a yellowing patch on the underside where it touches the soil and also the skin gets a more powdery look to it rather than it's normal glossy sheen. I picked a couple before I started to get it right. Another thing is to leave it then for another wekk after you have picked it so that it can finish ripening. good luck

- Grahame

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GardenGrow

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

GardenGrow

Keep your garden growing - see what to plant right now

Growing Watermelon

Cucurbitaceae c. lanatus : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Your comments and tips

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